In the United States, specifically in California, Gurmer Chopra turned a side hustle into a thriving fashion empire. Quitting his accounting job at 23, Chopra, along with his brother Dashmeet, launched YoungLA, a lifestyle clothing brand that began on eBay. As of 2024, the company brings in USD 167 million annually. Their journey reflects a mix of immigrant grit, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep understanding of digital commerce.
What began as an eBay side hustle has grown into a multi-million dollar clothing empire for Gurmer Chopra, co-founder of YoungLA, a lifestyle fashion brand based in Los Angeles.
In 2015, after earning his degree in economics and accounting from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Chopra accepted a corporate position at a Big Four accounting firm. But within four months, he realized the profession wasn’t for him. In search of more fulfilling work, he left his job at the age of 23 to focus full-time on his eBay venture with his older brother Dashmeet Chopra.
The Chopra brothers began their business journey by sourcing jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers from downtown Los Angeles and selling them online through eBay. With an initial investment of just USD 5,000, they reinvested their early profits into building what would eventually become YoungLA.
The brand name, YoungLA, was inspired by a local radio DJ from the “Young California” show. The duo transitioned from reselling products to designing and manufacturing their own clothing, adding branded tags to foster identity and loyalty. By 2017, the business had crossed its first USD 1 million in annual revenue.
A pivotal growth point came in 2018 when the company embraced “drop culture”—releasing limited edition items to drive demand and social buzz. This strategy, combined with effective influencer marketing, pushed YoungLA to USD 6 million in revenue by 2020.
In 2024, the brand reached USD 167 million in annual sales, continuing to grow its digital presence via its official site YoungLA.com. With no outside investment, the business remains fully bootstrapped.
Gurmer Chopra attributes much of their early drive to lessons learned working in their father’s souvenir and gift shop business after immigrating from India to New Jersey in 2002. Eventually, the family settled in California, where the entrepreneurial journey truly began.
Reflecting on the journey, Chopra says the experience of running a business brought both immense satisfaction and unique challenges, from managing staff to navigating legal complexities. Still, the transformation from an accounting office to a fashion powerhouse has made it all worth it.
Today, YoungLA continues to operate out of California, shipping products worldwide and expanding its catalog with new fashion-forward collections that reflect its Los Angeles roots.
